International

US International Mark Registration Fees Change

WIPO has announced a change in the individual fees for international trademark registrations designating the United States of America. Effective April 12, 2026, new fee amounts in Swiss francs will apply for applications, subsequent designations, and renewals. These changes are established by the Director General of WIPO in accordance with the Madrid Protocol.

Ukraine Fee Change for International Registrations

WIPO has announced a change in the individual fee amounts for Ukraine under the Madrid Protocol, effective April 12, 2026. The new fee structure will apply to international applications, subsequent designations, and renewals designating Ukraine on or after this date.

Tunisia Individual Fees for International Trademark Applications Updated

WIPO has announced updated individual fees for Tunisia under the Madrid Protocol, effective April 12, 2026. These changes affect international applications, subsequent designations, and renewals involving Tunisia, with new amounts payable in Swiss francs.

PCT Working Group Discusses Electronic Services and Rules

The PCT Working Group met to discuss improvements to electronic services and proposed amendments to PCT Regulations. Key proposals include requiring email addresses for applications, allowing exclusion of personal data, and streamlining fee equivalency calculations. These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the PCT system.

PCT Working Group Considers Electronic Processing and Fee Equivalents

The PCT Working Group met in Geneva to discuss amendments to PCT Regulations aimed at improving electronic processing and data protection. Key proposals include requiring email and phone numbers for applications, allowing exclusion of personal data from public access, and streamlining fee equivalency calculations. These proposals will be submitted to the PCT Assembly for approval.

PCT Working Group Session Opened and Suspended

The nineteenth session of the PCT Working Group opened on February 4, 2026, but was subsequently suspended. The session will be resumed at a future date. Documents related to the session are available on the WIPO website.

PCT Committee Discusses ISA/IPEA Appointments and Agreements

The PCT Committee for Technical Cooperation met in February 2026 to discuss the appointment of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) as an ISA/IPEA and the extension of existing ISA/IPEAs. The Committee agreed to recommend these appointments and approved a new format for ISA/IPEA agreements.

WIPO PCT User Survey Results

WIPO's PCT User Survey for late 2025 indicates a 90% satisfaction rate among over 1,700 respondents regarding PCT services. The results are consistent with previous surveys and WIPO is analyzing feedback for service improvements.

WIPO: International Patent Applications Rose 0.7% in 2025

WIPO reported that international patent applications filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) increased by 0.7% in 2025, reaching 275,900 filings. Growth was driven by digital communication and semiconductor technologies, reflecting increased investment in AI and digital innovation.

WIPO Launches AI Infrastructure Interchange Initiative

WIPO has launched the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Interchange (AIII) initiative to foster expert dialogue on intellectual property and AI issues. The initiative aims to address technical and operational challenges, with over 1,700 participants registering for the launch event.